At the end of 1st Ave. where it meets W. Grant St. in Cape May, New Jersey, sat a tiny Cape Cod–style house where I spent my summers as a kid. The bare-bones home—with an outside shower, creaky screen doors, and no TV—is long gone, replaced by something bigger and more modern. But the historic town itself, decorated with Victorian homes and horse-drawn carriages, still stands as a reminder of a simpler time. Thus, the uncomplicated Fuji Cape May is aptly named. With a roughly 2:1 gear ratio (44t up front, 20t in the rear) and smooth-rolling, 2.1-inch-wide tires, this aluminum, singlespeed beach cruiser is as efficient in stop-and-go traffic as it is on flats and gradual climbs. A rear coaster brake keeps your hands free to indulge a soft-serve twist, and the foam-covered, swept-back handlebar puts you in a sightseeing position (after all, Cape May is one of few small towns where a pink and purple house is not out of place). An oversize, padded seat with springs makes for a forgiving bathing-suit cruise, and if you really want to deck this bike out to transport stuff to the beach or around town, rack and fender mounts give you plenty of options.

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Trevor Raab

Also Available as a Step-ThroughSave for the obvious difference in frame shape, the Fuji Cape May ST (step-through) is essentially the same bike as the non-ST (it costs the same and has all the same components). But while the non-ST is available in only blue and black, the ST is offered in six color options: blue, mint, orange, yellow, lavender, and sky blue—none of which are uncommon house colors in Cape May. Smaller riders will find a better fit with the ST, which comes in XS (14-in.) and S/M (17-in.), while taller ones might consider the non-ST, which comes in M (19-in.) and L (21-in.).

It Has the Ability for UtilityBraze-ons located on the rear triangle let you add almost any aftermarket rack, and mounts on the frame and fork will accept most fenders. There’s a cage mount on the down tube, too, if you want to carry a water bottle. Want even more cargo-hauling capability? Perhaps one of these 11 bike baskets would be a perfect fit for the foam-covered handlebar.

Simple Spec, Smooth RideNothing about the Cape May is high-tech or groundbreaking, but that’s this bike’s appeal. It’s an aluminum singlespeed with a quill stem, rear coaster brake, and steel fork. It has a big, comfy seat on springs; flat, nonslip pedals; and a foam-covered, swept-back handlebar that forces you to sit up, slow down, and take in the sights. Other, smaller details you’ll come to appreciate: the KMC Rustbuster chain, rubber grips, a quick-release seat clamp, a chainguard, and a kickstand—so you can carefully park your bike at the bagel shop.

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But the Cape May is more than just the kind of bike you rent by the hour. With a 44t crank and 20t cassette, it’s not limited to sea-level rides and quaint rolls through town. It has the chops to hit some climbs, too. And with fast-rolling, 2.1-inch-wide Vera Seaside tires, root-busted pavement and sand-drifted roads won’t slow you down.

The foam-covered, swept-back handlebar puts you in an upright, see-the-world riding position.

Trevor Raab

Ride ImpressionsI am going to admit something. I wanted to ride this bike for two reasons: because it’s named after my favorite Jersey shore vacation spot, and because the foam-covered handlebar and springy seat remind me of so many of the cruisers that inhabit beach towns. I pictured myself riding barefoot, hands free of having to brake or shift. I could smell the salty air, feel the sun touching my skin, and hear the choking calls of seagulls. And I could put myself in a front-row seat to one of the most colorful and beautiful resort towns along the east coast. Isn’t that what we do when we look at a bike? See ourselves somewhere else?

In reality, though, I rode this bike in eastern Pennsylvania, far from any ocean or boardwalk, on chilly April afternoons. I rode it on city streets and through quiet neighborhoods lined with aluminum-siding ranchers and brick homes (no pink Victorians here). I rode with my son, who was on an 8-speed Benno Ballooner. He had gears, and I did not. And that’s when I marveled at how effortlessly the Fuji Cape May kept up, tackling small climbs and cutting through unpaved terrain, almost as if it was on a steady, continuous stream of forward motion. It just, sort of, goes.

The Fuji Cape May is comfortable, stable, affordable, and easy to ride. It’s as much a beach bike as it is a year-round, daily cruiser. And it will take you wherever your imagination wants to go.

Trevor Raab

jennifer sherryIn her previous role as managing editor, Jen Sherry was often referred to as the voice of god.

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